Rainmakers takes water conservation to new heights

On-site weather station provides real-time measurements

The Rainmaker, a bronze statue of an ancient shaman created by artist Dave McGary, is guided into its permanent position at the entrance to the Rainmakers new clubhouse, a building designed by architect Stan Caape for the golf course community north of Ruidoso. (Courtesy Stan CaApe (File))

When the original developers saw the property where Rainmakers Golf and Lifestyle Community sits before it was developed back in 2002, they knew that it was a perfect spot for a private resort destination. Prior to 2002, the property was a ranch owned by the late Jack Ryan. "The original developers saw it as a prospering community opportunity," said Director of Membership Annette Adkins.

Rainmakers Golf Community comprises 1,023 acres with lots for sale beginning at 1/2 acre. "The 1280," — 1,280 acres set aside for owners and guests to enjoy hiking and mountain bike riding — serves as a private nature preserve.

The Robert Trent Jones II Audubon International Signature Golf Course weaves through 135 acres set aside as a protected wildlife habitat and conservation area. "The golf course was developed with the utmost sensitivity to protecting and enhancing the natural splendor of the site," Adkins said.

The 7,200-yard golf course and common landscape areas at Rainmakers were designed to address topographical and environmental issues as well. Rainmaker's also features a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse that opened in 2013.

Plans are in the works for an activity center including tennis courts and a swimming pool, Adkins said.

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And the heart of the community is just as the name implies. Water conservation efforts are taken to a new level in the Rainmakers community. An on-site weather station ensures that water resources are continuously monitored, providing real-time measurements of recent precipitation, air temperature, wind velocity, relative humidity, solar radiation levels and evap-transportation rates. Measurements are digitally processed and are used to ensure that plants and grasses are watered based on need rather than guesswork.

Unlike traditional sprinkler systems, each of the sprinkler heads on the golf course is digitally tied to the on-site weather station and reduces or suspends sprinkler activity based on locally falling precipitation. The arc and angle of each head is independently controlled, placing the precise amount of water exactly where it needs to go.

Rainmakers may also be the only golf course in the U.S. to have implemented a new technology using polymers to keep the course green while reducing water usage. The polymers, which were infused in the top soil, swell with moisture, reducing the soil temperature at the roots of the grass by 10 degrees to 12 degrees. Keeping the soil cool causes the plants to consume less water and stay green — even in the heat of summer. The polymers are 100 percent environmentally, human, and animal safe.

"The net effect of keeping the soil moist and healthy long after the water stops coming down is that Rainmakers reduces its annual water consumption on the course by an estimated 20 percent," Adkins said.

The entire community is designed to be as environmentally proactive and responsible as possible utilizing friendly soil technology and property wide water conservation initiatives.

In addition to aggressive water management practices, residential areas conserve water using a technique call Rootwater Irrigation. "All plants use a highly efficient slow-drip root water watering system," Adkins said. "Delivering water directly to the roots means that there is essentially no evaporative loss so that plants stay healthier and greener."

Additionally, all residences at Rainmakers include a rain catchment system. At The Pueblos Townhomes, the rainwater-harvesting program is designed to supply at least 25 percent of the water used for irrigation. The catchment system is a Best Management Practice and contributes to Rainmakers earning LEEDS certification, an important program established by the United States Green Building Council.

Operated by Bridge Property Management out of Utah, Rainmakers offers golf, fitness facilities, a restaurant, lounge, hiking and biking rails and real estate packaged in a beautiful environmentally conscious and innovative community. They are open seven days a week during the summer from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are located at 250 Rainmaker Drive in Alto. For more information call (575) 336-7500 or visit their website at www.rainmakersusa.com.